The motivation for RDN comes from research in behavioral economics showing how subtle nudges can significantly affect individuals' behavior, even when they know that they are receiving a random nudge. One example is the Anchoring Effect, where a random input skews the individuals' judgments toward themselves [1]}, [2]}, [3]}, [4]}. Integrating epistemic cues – an educative nudge – can lead to more informed choices [4]}. The extant literature indicates that intergroup contact can increase deliberation and compromise [6]}, [7]}, as well as challenge stereotypes that develop in the absence of positive interactions among opposing groups [8]}. While studies on social media revealed that users who receive feedback based on their ideological views are more likely to polarize [9]}, it is also shown that users who seek to reinforce their own views are not actively avoiding challenges to their opinions[10]}. Thus, in order to depolarize networks, the RDN encourages dialogue (i.e., challenges to our own views) and interaction across communities.
